Factors Influencing Mothers’ Perceptions of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods in Bangladesh’s Urban Communities

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods are evidently more effective, more affordable,and better tolerated than short-acting methods. However, low adoption rates are more common globally, particularlyin Bangladesh. Objective: To assess the factors influencing perceptions of LARC methods among mothers in urbancommunities. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among purposively selected 180mothers of reproductive age (18-49 years) who had at least one living child under 2 years old, residing in urbancommunities within Dhaka North City Corporation, Bangladesh. Results: The mean age of the participants was33.3±8.4 years, and their mean marital tenure was 13.6±8.1 years. Of the women, 42.2% had at least a secondaryeducation, while 15.6% were illiterate. Nearly half (47.8%) of the husbands had completed higher secondary school,while 11.7% were illiterate. 80% of respondents knew about LARC, compared to 20% who did not, and a sizablepercentage (44.4%) did not utilize any form of contraceptive. Healthcare professionals (31.1%), the media (13.9%),and educational institutions (7.8%) were insignificant sources of insight. Women’s perceptions of LARC weresignificantly associated with their husbands’ and their own educational attainment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Women’sperceptions on LARC methods were found to be influenced by both their husbands’ and their own educational levels.In this context, comprehensive counseling and improved education for women may potentially contribute to a higheradoption of LARC methods.